Friday, April 13, 2012

Weatherize Outdoor Cabinets

Outdoor cabinets are very useful tools for storage but they can absorb a lot of wear and tear from the weather elements. Wind, ice, rain and snow can all accumulate and ruin outdoor cabinets over time. The winter is the most destructive time of the year for outdoor storage in general because of the increased moisture and colder temperatures found in much of the country during the winter months. Weatherizing your outdoor cabinets to help them withstand nature's pressures will help them last longer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions


1. Empty your cabinets and thoroughly clean them with a rag and a mixture of water and a mild detergent to remove any stains, dirt or debris. Make sure the cabinets are completely dry before continuing.


2. Apply a sealer to your outdoor cabinets if they are made of wood or metal. A wood sealer will help prevent water from seeping into the cabinets and causing them to rot. A sealer can be applied with a paint brush, roller or sprayer. Check to make sure the sealer you use is intended for that particular material. Two coats should be enough to provide adequate protection.


3. Keep the cabinets as sheltered as possible. A cabinet in a garage or shed will not have to withstand the same winds and rain as a cabinet leaning against the side of the house and therefore will likely last for a longer period of time.


4. Wrap the cabinets and their contents in a tarp prior to any extreme weather conditions to further prevent weather damage.


5. Wipe down the cabinets regularly to remove any snow or moisture accumulation.







Tags: your outdoor cabinets, help them, last longer, outdoor cabinets, will help